A West Michigan lawmaker has introduced a bill in the state House that would allow students who are being bullied to seek a transfer to another district.
State Rep. Angela Rigas, R-Alto, introduced House Bill 5480, known as the “Natalia Moore Law,” on Jan. 22. Rigas’ bill is the first of its kind in the state, mandating school district transfers for students who are victims of unresolved bullying, providing a critical escape route for those trapped in harmful environments. The bill is now in committee.
The legislation honors the memory of 12-year-old Natalia Moore, a talented young hockey player from Middleville, who tragically took her own life on Jan. 26, 2025, after enduring months of severe bullying at Thornapple Kellogg Middle School. Despite her family’s repeated reports to school officials, interventions failed to halt the harassment, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.
Natalia, who played for teams like the Wyandotte Warriors, was remembered fondly by the hockey community, with tributes from the Grand Rapids Griffins and NHL fans highlighting her passion and the profound loss felt by many.
Unlike existing anti-bullying policies in Michigan, which focus on investigations and potential consequences for perpetrators, the “Natalia Moore Law” breaks new ground by requiring receiving school districts to accept transfers for nonresident students if parents provide documented evidence of bullying, failed interventions, and ongoing issues. This measure ensures victims aren’t forced to remain in toxic settings, addressing a gap in current laws that has left many families without recourse.
Key provisions of HB 5480 include:
•?Mandatory acceptance of transfers based on verified bullying reports and unsuccessful resolutions.
•?Prohibition on denying transfers due to a student’s truancy history.
•?Requirement for the originating district to share academic records within seven days.
•?Liability for schools or officials failing to comply, allowing for civil damages.
•?Waiver of tuition fees for these transfers, removing financial barriers.
“This bill represents a historic first for Michigan – no other state law here has ever guaranteed bullying victims the right to transfer districts without obstacles,” said Rigas, who represents the 79th District, including parts of Barry County where Thornapple Kellogg Schools is located.
State Rep. Angela Rigas, R-Alto, introduced House Bill 5480, known as the “Natalia Moore Law,” on Jan. 22. Rigas’ bill is the first of its kind in the state, mandating school district transfers for students who are victims of unresolved bullying, providing a critical escape route for those trapped in harmful environments. The bill is now in committee.
The legislation honors the memory of 12-year-old Natalia Moore, a talented young hockey player from Middleville, who tragically took her own life on Jan. 26, 2025, after enduring months of severe bullying at Thornapple Kellogg Middle School. Despite her family’s repeated reports to school officials, interventions failed to halt the harassment, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.
Natalia, who played for teams like the Wyandotte Warriors, was remembered fondly by the hockey community, with tributes from the Grand Rapids Griffins and NHL fans highlighting her passion and the profound loss felt by many.
Unlike existing anti-bullying policies in Michigan, which focus on investigations and potential consequences for perpetrators, the “Natalia Moore Law” breaks new ground by requiring receiving school districts to accept transfers for nonresident students if parents provide documented evidence of bullying, failed interventions, and ongoing issues. This measure ensures victims aren’t forced to remain in toxic settings, addressing a gap in current laws that has left many families without recourse.
Key provisions of HB 5480 include:
•?Mandatory acceptance of transfers based on verified bullying reports and unsuccessful resolutions.
•?Prohibition on denying transfers due to a student’s truancy history.
•?Requirement for the originating district to share academic records within seven days.
•?Liability for schools or officials failing to comply, allowing for civil damages.
•?Waiver of tuition fees for these transfers, removing financial barriers.
“This bill represents a historic first for Michigan – no other state law here has ever guaranteed bullying victims the right to transfer districts without obstacles,” said Rigas, who represents the 79th District, including parts of Barry County where Thornapple Kellogg Schools is located.
